Laura E. Richards, Maud Howe, Florence Howe Hall, Julia Ward Howe, 1819-1910, in two volumes, with portraits and other illustrations: volume 1

“ January 13, 1885. Preparing for my lecture this evening. Subject, ‘Is Polite Society Polite?’ Place, Werlein Hall. I was very anxious — the lecture appeared to me very homely for a Southern audience accustomed to rhetorical productions. My reception was most gratifying. The house was packed and many were sent away. Judge Gayarre introduced me. Joaquin Miller came first, reciting his ‘Fortunate Isles.’ I said in opening that even if my voice should not fill the hall, my good — will embraced them all. Every point in the lecture was perceived and applauded, and I felt more than usually in sympathy with my audience.”

“The second entertainment devised for the relief of the Woman's Department was a “Soiree Creole,” the third and last a “grand musical matinee” at the French Opera House, for which we were indebted to the great kindness of Colonel Mapleson, who granted us the use of the house, and by whose permission several of his most distinguished artists gave their services. Monsignor Gillow, Commissioner for Mexico, also allowed his band to perform.”

The difficulty of persuading the different artists to sing, of pacifying their separate agents in the matter of place on the programme and size of the letters in which names were advertised, of bringing harmony out of all the petty rivalries and cabals between the different members of the troupe, required a patience worthy of a better cause. Meanwhile there were other troubles. Most of the women commissioners appointed by the different States proved loyal comrades to their